In brief
Antonio Tajani announced that his personal information has been posted on the dark web by pro‑Russian hackers, a claim affirmed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Tajani warned of growing threats to his safety and linked the attack to Italy’s stance on Ukraine, while the exact data released remains unspecified. The incident adds to a wave of cyber‑attacks and hoax bomb threats targeting European officials.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says his personal data has been leaked on the dark web by pro‑Russian hackers, a claim confirmed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Antonio Tajani said on X that "for days now, cybercriminals have been publishing my personal data on the dark web and seeking further information, effectively exposing me to new threats and intimidation".
for days now, cybercriminals have been publishing my personal data on the dark web and seeking further information, effectively exposing me to new threats and intimidation
Tajani added that the threat extends to his family, warning that "they are willing to pay for more details about me and my loved ones," and declared he would not be intimidated.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the leak "a matter of grave concern" and blamed pro‑Russian hackers, saying the government must address the situation with utmost determination.
Tajani linked the attack to Italy’s position on Ukraine, stating that defending a sovereign state’s freedom and independence was a political factor attracting criminal attention.
The Italian Foreign Ministry said it was coordinating its response with allied countries and treating the threat seriously, but has not released specifics of the data disclosed.
This incident follows a spate of hoax bomb threats across Europe that have forced flight diversions and prompted security alerts at broadcasters and supermarkets.
Analysts suggest the breach is part of a broader campaign targeting European officials amid heightened tensions over Ukraine.
The dark‑web repository that hosted the data remains inaccessible to the public, so verification of the claim is pending.
What remains unconfirmed is the precise content of the leaked personal information and independent confirmation that the perpetrators are indeed pro‑Russian hackers.
